Legendary TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan has died, his family have announced.

The broadcaster's family have announced that the star has died aged 77 after a battle with cancer.

The statement read: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

'National treasure'

BBC director general Tony Hall added: "Terry truly was a national treasure."

"Today we've lost a wonderful friend."

"He was a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family. For 50 years Sir Terry graced our screens and airwaves. His warmth, wit and geniality meant that for millions he was a part of the family."

Sir Terry Wogan was a huge part of the Children in Need charity

"Wake up to Wogan was for millions of Radio 2 listeners the very best way to start the day. For decades he's been such a huge part of the BBC on television and radio and leaves so many wonderful memories.

"At the centre of Children in Need since its beginning he raised hundreds of millions of pounds and changed so many lives for the better. He leaves a remarkable legacy."

'Wonderful personality'

BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said: "As the host of Wake up to Wogan, Terry established himself as one of the greatest and most popular radio hosts this country has ever heard.

"We were brightened by his wonderful personality and charm as he woke us up every weekday morning, becoming an essential and much-loved part of our lives.

"His millions of listeners adored him, as did his whole Radio 2 family. We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with Helen and all the family."

BBC Radio 2 have switched a pre-recorded Steve wright show to host a tribute show. Host Mark Goodier has said: “We are really holding back the tears here and we need your memories”.

'A brilliant mind'

One of the tributes on the show came from Father Brian Darcy, who worked with Sir Terry in broadcasting for over 20 years.

He described his friend and colleague as one of " the most charitable, friendly and generous blokes you could ever meet. "He was totally a family man. Helen was the centre of his life, they were married for over 50 years," he said. "The family was the centre of his life, and everything for him revolved around Helen and the beauty of his family." "He had a brilliant, brilliant mind, and he could see the fun in everything".

Fellow broadcasters are paying tribute to the legendary TV presenter.

Jeremy Vine has described Sir Terry as "Truly one of the greatest we have ever seen".

He added that he "treated his colleagues like friends".

Fellow Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans has also paid tribute saying "We are all so terribly sad."

Fellow broadcaster Piers Morgan described Sir Tery as "one of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived".

Wogan stepped down from Eurovision in 2008

Born on the 3 August 1938, Sir Terry was an Irish radio and television broadcaster who worked at the BBC for his most of his career.

He was raised in Limerick as the son of an up-market green grocer.

Lifelong career

His first brush with broadcasting began at Irish station Raidió Teilifís Éireann, where his show Jackpot quickly became a popular quiz show in the 1960s.

Shortly after the show ended in 1967, Sir Terry made his way to London, where he began a lifelong career at the BBC, starting off as a radio DJ for the broadcaster. After a successful two-year stint on Late Night Extra, Sir Terry was given the lead spot on the BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, where he quickly cemented his place among the nation's favourite broadcasters.

In 1980, Sir Terry 's arrival on the television screen was marked by his appearance on the new telephone project, Children in Need.

Watch Sir Terry sing Little Drummer Boy with Aled Jones

Now one of the best known events in the television calendar, Wogan remained at its helm. He had to withdraw from 2015's Children in Need night at the last minute after a procedure on his back. Dermot O'Leary stepped into his place.

Away from his role as a charity presenter, Sir Terry's on-off coverage of the Eurovision song contest from 1971 onwards was the source of constant amusement to his viewers and listeners.

Sir Terry Wogan pictured promoting Children in Need

He also presented the Radio 2 breakfast show until 2009, and named himself Lord of Splott.